On 25 November, 16.00-19.00, at Paradiso, we dive into how artists and communities bring archives to life—and make them accessible to the people whose histories they hold.
Cover image courtesy of Mai Huyền Chi.
Through storytelling, sound, art and shared traditions, the programme looks beyond conventional archives to ask how knowledge is preserved, who owns it and how it can connect communities beyond former colonial centres.
The programme is co-curated and facilitated by our International Advisory Board Member Russel Hlongwane, a South African artist, cultural producer and researcher whose work connects Black life, heritage and contemporary culture.
The event is supported by Gemeente Amsterdam through our Exchanges Programme.
Programme
16.00–16.10 | Introduction
16.10–17.10 | Artistic Infrastructures of Archiving
What do archives need to thrive, and whom should they serve? Three Netherlands-based organisations share their approaches to cultural memory: Archival Consciousness, which uses art, design and technology to make archives more accessible and which is working on archiving PCF's legacy; Mezrab, a cultural centre rooted in storytelling and community; and Vlisco, whose wax-print textiles are woven into fashion, storytelling and cultural expression across West and Central Africa.
17.10-17.40 | Break
17.40-18.40 | Artistic Practices of Archiving: Animating the Archive
After the break, we examine how artists and community-based practices preserve local histories, connect knowledge across the Global South and use memory and tradition to respond to today’s challenges. We hear from Collective GABAA, together with its founder Rabiul Khan, 2024 Seed Awardee, whose collective joins us for Awards Week and whose practice brings together community engagement, archiving and alternative learning; Nova Ruth,2023 CAREC Fellow, an Indonesian musician, artist and activist, and co-founder of Arka Kinari, connecting music, cultural heritage and climate resilience; and Dicky Takndare, 2022 Seed Awardee and West Papuan artist whose work explores identity, cultural heritage and community.
18.40-19.00 | Closing
About Paradiso
Paradiso is one of Amsterdam’s most famous music venues, located in a former church near Leidseplein. Known for its impressive atmosphere and excellent acoustics, it hosts a wide range of concerts, club nights, and cultural events. With its historic interior and diverse program, Paradiso has become an integral part of Amsterdam’s nightlife and music scene.